Weddings At First Palo Alto

The wedding ceremony in our Church is a time of worship in which a couple is united in Christian marriage. We do everything possible to assure that it is also a time of reverence and dignity. No other vows are more sacred; no other commitments more personal than the ones you share at the altar.

We invite you to come visit us and see our sanctuary and facilities in person. Our wedding consultant, Jessie Ngai 650-575-6539, would be honored to give you a tour, answers your questions and reserve a date for your wedding.

One of our ministers typically officiates at weddings performed at First Church. After making a reservation each couple will schedule a time to meet with the officiating pastor. This meeting will provide you with an opportunity to become acquainted with the officiating pastor and to plan for your ceremony.

Alternatively, couples are welcome to invite non-First Church clergy to officiate at their wedding ceremony. Please speak with the Wedding Coordinator about how best to arrange this.

The sloping side walls of our Sanctuary dramatically rise up and meet 73 feet off the ground. 1,500 brilliantly hued, small stained glass inserts add to the ambiance.

The center aisle is 75 feet long. There are also side aisles to the left and right of the center aisle.

The Sanctuary has a seating capacity for over 650 guests. In addition to the seating on the main floor, there is also seating in the balcony.

The chancel is raised off of the main floor and 2 choir lofts are located at the rear sides of the chancel area.

The sanctuary features the renowned Merritt Speidel Organ. The instrument is now one of the largest in the San Francisco Bay Area, boasting numerous sets of ethereal soft string stops, in addition to many piquant flute stops.

The acoustics of our sanctuary are superb, and as a result we regularly host concerts featuring orchestras and choirs from around the world.

Our church organist plays for all weddings at First Palo Alto and he woud be honored to help you plan the music for your wedding.

Vocal soloists or instrumentalists may also be part of your service. If you would like to have them at your ceremony, you will need to contact them directly.

All requested music is subject to the approval of our music staff.

Our Sanctuary is equipped with 6 video cameras that can tape your special day. DVD's and VHS tapes of your wedding ceremony can be ordered for your family and friends.

Cassette tapes can also be made. You will need to supply the tape.

Please consult with the Wedding Coordinator for further details.

We have several rooms available for receptions. The Patio Room will accommodate up to 50 guests; Kohlstedt Hall, up to 125 guests; and Fellowship Hall, up to 250 guests. Please consult with the Wedding Coordinator on availability and fees.

The Wedding fee does not include a reception.

Consistent with United Methodist tradition, alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the church premises, and smoking is not permitted in the buildings.

The church supplies the candles in the major candelabra at the front of the sanctuary. If you wish to have a Unity Candle, you will need to supply them. We will provide the candle holders.

Please check with the Wedding Coordinator about our guidelines for flowers and decorations. Be advised that we will NOT remove ANY church decorations.

Rice or birdseed may not not be thrown on the church premises. It becomes slippery and dangerous underfoot and is almost impossible to clean up. Similarly, blowing bubbles is not allowed.

Food and beverages are not allowed in the Narthex, Sanctuary or Chapel. Please speak to the wedding coordinator for information about our reception facilities.

The bridal party may dress at the church in rooms near the Sanctuary. They will be opened and available for your use ninety minutes before the start of the ceremony.

The date and time of your rehearsal can be scheduled when you make arrangements for the wedding. The rehearsal is directed by the Wedding Coordinator and provides the entire bridal party with the opportunity to rehearse the ceremony.

You will need to bring both your marriage license and the balance of your fee with you to the rehearsal.

The fee for a wedding ceremony is $1575.

The wedding fee includes:
           • use of the facilities for 3 hours the day of the ceremony,
           • a one-hour rehearsal prior to the wedding day
           • honoraria for church staff personnel.

Our Wedding Coordinator, Jessie Ngai, will assist you in making a reservation. You will be asked to make a non-refundable deposit of $400.00 to hold the reservation.

The balance of the fee is payable and due at your wedding rehearsal.

When your wedding date and time have been confirmed, we will consult with you on all other details for your ceremony.

Jessie Ngai has been our Wedding and Event Coordinator since 2007.

Jessie will be happy to answer your questions, give you a tour and help you arrange for your memorable wedding at the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto. Please email Jessie at weddings@firstpaloalto.com or call her at 650-575-6539.

Once again, thank you for considering the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto for your wedding.

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